Roger and Mee Mee Ditch
The fact that many expats choose to settle in Malaysia is a testament to the nation's popularity as a major tourism destination. For Roger and Mee Mee Ditch, it's their home away from home. The Expat managed to catch up with them at their cosy condo in Sunway Damansara.
The Expat: How long have you lived in Malaysia under the MM2H programme?
Roger: 15 months.
The Expat: What made you choose to live in this part of Malaysia?
Mee Mee: Well, one reason is because most of my family members are here. We also considered Penang and Langkawi.
Roger: I think that the city life is more conducive for us.
The Expat: You have had a very colourful career history. Care to tell us about it?
Roger: Well, I am a professional entertainer/magician and have travelled the world for about 30 years on major cruise ships, sometimes as Cruise Director. I have also worked on television in the UK as an actor and have appeared in quite a few epic series such as "I Claudius".
The Expat: What was your most accomplished work experience?
Roger: I was the very first Ronald McDonald in the UK and did nearly 1,500 appearances and films as the clown. Also, I was the stage manager for London Weekend Television and worked with many renowned film and TV stars. But most of all, I performed for Prince William and Prince Harry at their birthday parties and had the pleasure of meeting the late Princess Diana.
The Expat: Was entertaining your chosen career path?
Roger: No, actually it was medicine. I did three and a half years of study before I decided to be an entertainer and have not regretted it for one minute.
The Expat: Had you lived in or visited Malaysia prior to settling here?
Mee Mee: Yes. I am from the town of Ayer Tawar in Perak. I lived there before went the UK.
The Expat: What was the main reason you decided to come and live here under the MM2H programme?
Roger: It was just a good idea, actually, because my in-laws are here and I get along well with them. We have some good friends here, too. I also love the climate and food. After having lived in the UK for a long time and then losing my parents, it was a viable idea to move here.
The Expat: What do you like most about living in Malaysia?
Roger: The overall ambience of the country. Malaysia is a nice place to settle down.
The Expat: What do you like least about living in Malaysia?
Roger: No doubt that Malaysians are generally a friendly lot, but sometimes the mannerisms here leave a little to be desired.
Mee Mee: I think that motorists here need to be more disciplined because they tend to drive dangerously.
The Expat: Did you travel outside of Malaysia in the last year?
Roger: Yes, we visited China and Singapore recently. We also plan to go to Australia and New Zealand next year.
The Expat: What about within Malaysia?
Roger: Quite a few places actually Melaka, Penang, Lumut in Perak and Langkawi.
The Expat: What do you miss most about your home country?
Roger: The real ale. But mostly, I really miss meeting up with my school chums. I always try to return to the UK at least once a year for the reunions and the camaraderie I have with my friends there. I have my favourite local pub there where I have been going for over 40 years.
Mee Mee: I think we also miss the different seasons, especially spring and autumn just simple things like that.
The Expat: So tell us, what hobbies or activities you like to do during your free time?
Roger: For me, it would have to be entertaining, photography and reading.
Mee Mee: I love cooking. I also make time to help the children at the school nearby with their handicrafts. Aside from that, swimming and going to the gym are my favourite past times.
By Aida Ahmad
